Parenting Stress Index in Caregivers of Individuals With Noonan Syndrome

Abstract

Medical professionals frequently underestimate stress level of parents/caregivers of patients with rare disorders as RASopathies, the latter might experience elevated stress levels, with their own health frequently overlooked despite significant responsibilities and hurdles encountered. The aim of this study is to assess the stress experienced by parents of individuals with Noonan syndrome and related conditions. Forty‐eight parents (20 fathers; 28 mothers), among the 31 recruited families, completed the Italian version of the Parenting Stress Index–Short Form. Our study shows abnormally elevated scores (≥ 85° percentile) in 35.4% of parents. Data retrieved from subscales reveal a perception of a difficult child in 25% of cases, a dysfunctional parental‐child interaction in 20.8%, a general parental distress in 10.4% of cases, and an elevated overall stress in 18.8% of parents. Questionnaires as the Parenting Stress Index–Short Form are valuable tools to evaluate stress in parents/caregivers of children with RASopathies. Evaluation by professionals is fundamental to support parents and caregivers in managing stressors and to enhance their quality of life and relationships. To prevent stress escalation and parents' burnout, an early assessment to tailor a timely treatment should be introduced as soon as possible as good clinical practice.